(Newser)
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When Scotland’s separatists became the first party to wrest control of the Scottish Parliament from Labour last May, it was due to a surge of anti-Iraq-war sentiment as much as pro-independence fervor. But the Scottish National Party has proved adept at governing, the New Republic notes, making small popular steps, towards cutting UK ties.

The party's referendum on immediate separation may have no legs, but Labour colleagues are lining up with the majority behind subtler measures like Scottish control over oil revenues and broadcasting, unique health care measures and the nation's own Olympic team. And the newly empowered party is gaining in popularity; they’d pick up more seats if an election were held today.